[0001] This invention relates to a sign plate for an illuminated sign.
[0002] GB-A-496482 discloses an illuminated transparent sign having the features of the
pre-characterising portion of claim 1.
[0003] An illuminated sign of this nature is disclosed in U. S. Patent 5,009,019. In that
invention an aura is created around an outline of the configuration being communicated
by the sign. This aura is achieved by fluorescent material totally covering broken
zones in an opaque layer on the sign plate. The fluorescent material is cut in the
form of the configuration from a sheet of fluorescent plastic and is applied on the
surface of the light transmitting base plate opposite the surface having the opaque
layer or coating that is broken into the zones, and these zones correspond to the
desired configuration to be communicated. The configuration made from the fluorescent
plastic may be cut from a sheet by, for example, a router. This configuration when
applied to the face of the base projects away from the base surface. The projection
is on the front of the sign plate in that invention, i.e., the face of the sign plate
that faces the viewer when the sign plate is in use.
[0004] The light source is directed toward the rear of the sign plate, i.e., the face of
the sign plate opposite the viewer. In that invention, the most effective results
are achieved when the light source is ultraviolet light, and the light rays pass forward
through the openings of the broken zones of the opaque layer through the base plate
and then into the fluorescent material, activating the fluorescent material.
[0005] A layer of opaque reflective material is placed on the front surface of the projecting
fluorescent material that faces the viewer. This opaque reflective material is preferably
of a smaller dimension than the broken zones, and so light emits around the edges
only of the light reflective material, producing an outline or contour of the configuration
being communicated. Accordingly, part of the light rays from the activated fluorescent
material pass through the exposed side edges of the fluorescent material, while other
rays are reflected off the light reflective layer back through the fluorescent material
thence through the light transmitting base plate to its rear face to strike the front
of the opaque reflective layer on the rear of the base plate. From there, the rays
are reflected forwardly toward the viewer. These reflected rays create the aura around
the outline.
[0006] For a viewer facing the sign plate, the effect achieved in that construction is that
of glowing outlines and aura around the configuration of the matter being communicated,
such as text or figures or art work.
[0007] The invention of the '019 patent is a vast improvement over the prior art known when
its application was filed. For example, Danish Patent Application No. 4729/87, published
under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in Publication WO-A-89,02637 on March 23, 1989,
discloses a transparent or ultraviolet translucent plate or sheet, the front side
of which is covered with an ultraviolet, opaque layer or coating broken into zones
corresponding to a text or a figure. Grooves are cut into the transparent sign plate
around these zones, and strings of fluorescent plastic material are set into these
grooves, both steps being somewhat difficult to accomplish and time consuming.
[0008] The invention of the '019 patent is also an improvement over U. S. Patent No. 3,978,599
to Berger, wherein the text material projects rearwardly away from the viewer and
toward the light source to gather light and enhance the amount of light seen directly
by the viewer to reveal the whole of the configuration of broken zones in the opaque
layer. No light reflective surface covers the openings of these broken zones, and
so the viewer sees the whole text lighted rather than an outline and aura around the
text.
[0009] The invention of the '019 patent is also an improvement over the sign plate disclosed
in U.S. Patent No. 2,071,239 to Spencer et al., wherein an excavating operation (preferably
performed by sand blast) is utilized to form a design, letter or legend in solid bodies
of glass which then protrude in bold relief from a roughened temporary surface left
by the sand blasting operation to form protruding lens-like bodies of translucent
or transparent material standing out in strong relief with respect to a background
of contrasting character. It appears that the ambient light reflects variously from
the resulting differing surfaces to create certain effects.
[0010] The invention of the '019 patent is also an improvement over U.S. Patent 1,887,523
to Schenkel. The Schenkel reference utilizes opaque (black) layers. Black blocks light
but does not reflect light. The Schenkel reference shows ways of blocking light to
achieve the illusion of depth and shaded effect to simulate blocked letters or gas
filled tubes (Column 1, lines 32-34), but the reference does not show or suggest reflecting
surfaces to guide light rays for enhancing effects, such as creating an aura around
an outline or contour of the matter to be communicated.
[0011] In contrast to the devices of these references, the structure disclosed in the '019
patent is easier and less expensive to produce and, in addition, provides effects
not achieved in those devices. The structure of the '019 patent creates a particularly
strong outline with aura around the matter to be communicated, especially if the side
edges of the projecting fluorescent material are in general register on the front
side of the base plate with the configuration of the broken zones on the rear side
of the plate and if the side edges are inclined in relation to the sign plate's front
face. In this connection, the inclined edges preferably form an angle of about 120
degrees to about 150 degrees with respect to the front face of the sign plate.
[0012] In accordance with the '019 patent, the text or figures or art work will be exceptionally
clear if a layer of color is additionally placed on the front light reflective layer,
especially if that color is different from the color of the remaining part of the
sign plate. Thus, in a preferred structure of that invention, the opaque layer is
provided on the rear of the foundational or light transmitting plate, but with a layer
of color first applied intermediate the rear face of the light transmitting plate
and the front face of the opaque layer. This structure allows the color to be seen
through the light transmitting plate from the front, giving the sign its base color.
The opaque layer in that invention may also be of a light reflective material or at
least include a light reflective layer on its rear face to reflect light from the
light source and increase the overall light emission from the sign plate in its operational
condition.
[0013] Nonetheless, experience with the device of the '019 patent has revealed elements
that desirably should be improved. For example, the light source preferably is ultraviolet
(black) light. A sign built in accordance with that invention is most effective, therefore,
in only low light or dark ambient conditions. It exhibits low illumination output
and the aura is less pronounced in indoor lighting and daylight conditions. Furthermore,
the forming of the fluorescent plastic into the desired configuration by the process
of routing, including the preparation phases both before and after the routing, is
labor intensive and a relatively slow process, affecting the costs of production and
the ability to provide sample forms quickly at less costs. Even though mill-cutting
in an automatic process, or molding or casting might reduce some of the labor costs
per unit, the placing of the fluorescent materials on the sign plate is done by hand
and requires accurate and skilled handwork.
[0014] Accordingly, it is desired to provide a sign plate producible by methods resulting
in still higher productivity, more flexibility, and less costs and having a structure
providing a brighter light output. Such a sign plate then could be released from its
dim operating surroundings and be useful in daylight surroundings, thereby becoming
a more acceptable product in the market. Space taken by the complete sign box is another
consideration. The light source, to be most effective in the '019 patent, is preferably
spaced a distance from the rear of the sign plate and away from the opaque layer to
allow more of the rays to pass through the openings of the zones broken in the opaque
layer for transmission through the thickness of the base plate to reach and activate
the fluorescent plastic on the front side of the base plate. The space between the
light source and the base plate, of course, restricts the minimum thickness or depth
of the physical construction of the sign box that contains the sign plate and the
light source.
[0015] It is an aim of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved sign plate for
an illuminated sign that is economical to manufacture, that provides increased brightness
in its output, that can allow a complete sign to be smaller in depth or thickness,
that permits more flexibility in both structure and content, and that can utilize
materials and methods available for use in such manufacture.
[0016] The present invention provides a sign plate for an illuminated sign, the sign plate
comprising a light transmitting sheet, a rear opaque light reflective layer on a rear
face of the light transmitting sheet and having at least one opening therein defining
at least one first indicia to be displayed by the sign, and a front reflecting layer
defining at least one second indicia, in the same general form as and in general register
with the first indicia, on a front face of the light transmitting sheet, the reflecting
layer having a rear-most reflective surface, characterised by the rear layer having
a plurality of said openings to define a plurality of said first indicia and the reflecting
layer defining a corresponding plurality of second indicia, a diffusion layer disposed
in and at least substantially covering the openings on the rear face of the light
transmitting sheet, and the reflecting layer being shaped and positioned so as at
least partially to expose the diffusion layer therebehind.
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a sign plate in accordance with prior art;
FIGURE 2 is a partial sectional view of the sign plate according to the prior art
sign plate taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a sign plate in accordance with this invention;
FIGURE 4 is a partial sectional view of the sign plate according to this invention
taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the sign plate of FIGURES
3 and 4 illustrating the detail of a possible composition of the opaque light reflective
layer 11 showing corners peeled back to reveal component layers;
FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of the sign plate of FIGURE 3
illustrating an example of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view of the sign plate according to the illustrated
alternative embodiment of the invention taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;
FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a rear layout panel and of a corresponding front overlay
panel useful in another embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 9 is an exploded end view of the embodiment of FIGURE 8 during assembly of
the sign plate; and
FIGURE 10 is an end view of the embodiment of FIGURE 8 after assembly of the sign
plate.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, in accordance with prior art, FIGURE 1 shows a sign
plate which includes an ultraviolet light transmitting plate 9. This plate forms the
basic structure for the sign plate. The light transmitting plate 9 may be made of
ultraviolet transmitting acrylic plastic. This plate is provided with an opaque reflective
layer 11 on one of its faces. The top face, as viewed in the drawing of both FIGURES
1 and 2, is the front face or surface of the sign plate, and is the face seen by a
viewer when the sign is mounted for illumination in a box or other suitable structure
along with a light source for display. In FIGURE 2 the opaque layer 11 is illustrated
as applied to the back or rear face or surface of the light transmitting plate 9.
[0019] The word "text" on the front face of the light transmitting plate 9 in FIGURE 1 is
representative of matter that is intended for visual communication when the sign plate
is installed and illuminated in a completed sign. In addition to letters, this intelligence
or communication matter also might include figures, ornaments, legends, and the like.
The detail that forms the matter to be communicated includes broken zones 13 in the
integrity of the opaque layer 11. The broken zones form a configuration that defines
the matter to be communicated. In register with this configuration of broken zones
is a projecting detail 15 that forms a relief with respect to the front surface of
the plate 9. The projection 15 is preferably made of a fluorescent material, such
as fluorescent acrylic plastic. The projection 15 may be affixed in register with
the broken zones 13 by any suitable means, such as bonding to the front surface of
the plate 9 by an acrylic adhesive.
[0020] This projection 15 has inclined side edges 17 and the width of the base of the projection
15 is preferably slightly more than the width of the broken zones 13 in the reflective
layer 11. The projection 15 has a configuration that matches the configuration of
the broken zones 13. The slight additional width therefore assures complete coverage
of the configuration of the broken zones 13 by the configuration of the projection
15. When the rear of the plate 9 is exposed to light, the light passes through the
broken zones 13 of the opaque layer 11, through the thickness of the base plate 9
and then activates the fluorescent material of the projection 15. The front of the
projection 15 (i.e., that surface which faces the viewer) is provided with a light
reflective layer 19. This layer 19 could be an opaque ink applied by a suitable means,
or it could be a foil. Further, a layer 21 of color is applied on the front of the
light reflective layer 19.
[0021] On the rear of the sign plate 9, sandwiched between the rear surface of the sign
plate 9 and the reflective layer 11, is a color layer 23 which, through the transparency
of the sign plate 9, determines the base color of the sign. The front color layer
21 may be selected to coordinate with the base color layer 23.
[0022] By exposing the sign plate 9 to a light source (not shown), preferably an ultraviolet
light source, behind the sign plate 9 (below the views as seen in the FIGURES 1 and
2), some light rays will reflect directly from the reflective layer 11 on the rear
of the sign plate 9. Others of the ultraviolet rays will pass into the transparent
plate 9 through the broken zones 13 in reflective layer 11 and into the projection
15 to activate the fluorescent material and make it glow. Part of the light rays produced
from the activation of fluorescent material will escape through the inclined side
edges 17. When viewed front on, the effect is to give a distinct illuminated outline
of the configuration defining the matter being communicated. Thus, the midportion
of the configuration is darkened because of the opacity of the material, and only
the outline or bordering area of the configuration is illuminated.
[0023] Other ultraviolet rays produced from the activation of the fluorescent material are
reflected by the reflective layer 19 to strike the front surface of the reflective
layer 11 and reflect to the front of the sign. These rays appear as an aura around
the configuration defining the matter being communicated against the colored background
23. The aura is enhanced when the opaque layer 11 is applied to the rear of the plate
9 vis-à-vis the front of the plate. Hence, overall, the structure shown in the drawing
is preferable. The layer 11 is preferably both for opacity and reflectance.
[0024] As mentioned earlier, the configuration of fluorescent material can be mill cut in
an automatic process, or it can be molded or cast or cut by a router. An advantage
of the router is the ease of adjusting the angle in which the side surfaces 17 are
cut. Even though preparing such a configuration and affixing it as a projection to
the front surface of the sign face is an improvement over the references described
earlier, it has been found desirable to improve the structure and the method of making
the sign plate of the '019 patent to effect increased brilliance in the illumination
of the sign, lower costs in producing the sign, smaller overall sign package, more
flexibility in the production of the sign plate, and more possibilities for creativity
in the presentation of communication.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION
[0025] In accordance with this desire, FIGURES 3 and 4 show an embodiment of this invention
that creates a similar light effect as in the '019 patent in that a glowing contour
with aura occurs around the letters, figures, and designs. This embodiment, on the
other hand, contemplates substantially flat faces on both surfaces of a sign plate
12 compared to the projection of the fluorescent plastic material in the '019 patent.
Furthermore, a light diffusion layer, which may be or at least includes fluorescent
material, can be only a thin layer or coating applied to the rear face of the sign
plate 12 compared to a need for a projection of fluorescent material on the front
face in the '019 patent. As will be seen, this invention also more effectively utilizes
the concept of guiding the light beam by reflectance, even to blank out, multiply,
and modify color, and to provide for more creativity in the design and use of the
sign plate. These and other distinctions along with their advantages will become apparent
upon reading the detailed description of the present invention that follows.
[0026] Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the sign
plate 12 of the present invention includes a light transmitting plate 9 which provides
the basic structure of the sign plate. This light transmitting plate 9 may be made
from a sheet of light transmitting material, such as clear plastic or glass. By way
of example only, the plastic material can be sheets of solid resinous material sold
under the trademark "Plexiglass" of Rohm and Haas Company. Many other materials are
suitable for the purpose, however, and so no limitation is intended by the example.
The light transmitting plate 9 is provided with an opaque reflective layer 11 on one
of its faces. The top face viewed in the drawing in FIGURE 3 is a front face or surface
14 of the sign plate 12 and is the face seen by a viewer when the sign is mounted
for illumination in a box or other suitable structure (not shown), along with a light
source, for display. In FIGURE 4, the opaque reflective layer 11 is illustrated as
applied to a back or rear face or surface 16 of the light transmitting plate 9.
[0027] The word "display" and an arbitrary design 18 are shown on the front face 14 of the
light transmitting plate 9 in FIGURE 3, and these are representative of intelligence
or matter that can be visually communicated by the sign plate 12 when a whole sign
incorporating this is installed and illuminated. In addition to the communication
matter already suggested, figures, ornaments, legends, and the like are included.
[0028] The detail that forms the matter to be communicated includes broken zones 13 in the
integrity of the opaque reflective layer 11. The broken zones form a configuration
that defines the intelligence or matter to be communicated. The opaque reflective
layer 11 and the broken zones 13 are preferably on the rear face 16 of the light transmitting
plate 9.
[0029] A very important aspect of this invention is the ability to control and guide light
rays to achieve certain pleasant third dimensional and/or colorful effects with a
minimum of materials. For example, the effect of an illusion created inside the light
transmitting plate 9 by using the thickness of the plate itself rather than by gluing
additional materials on the surface of the plate. The following paragraphs describe
how the light rays are controlled and guided to bring about these effects.
[0030] Placed on the opposite side or front face 14 in general register with the zones 13
is another layer 10 that is at least a reflective layer and is in a configuration
corresponding to the configuration of the zones 13. Accordingly, if, for example,
the zones spell the word "display", then the configuration of the reflective layer
10 also spells the word "display" on the front face 14 of the plate, as seen by the
viewer. The opaque reflective layer 11, as implied, has the qualities of both opacity
and reflectiveness. These qualities may be achieved by use of print ink, silk screen
paint, foil, and the like. One example of material that can be used is polyvinylchloride
adhesive foil which is commercially available in many colors. Thus, the foil already
has a color base, is reflective and, at least one side, includes an adhesive coating
in the color of the material. While such foil is useful for providing reflection and
a color base, it may be inadequate for opacity. Hence, if opacity is also desired,
a light impervious layer such as dark paint or ink can be applied to the non-adhesive
side of the foil. This layer brings about the opaque characteristic, but the dark
layer is not necessarily reflective. Generally, thin layers of reflective colors are
not opaque and dark colors and black do not reflect. A reflective surface may not
be needed on the rear face of the layer 11 on the rear of the plate, but if it is
wanted an added reflective layer can be applied over the light impervious layer.
[0031] An example of these component layers that may constitute the opaque reflective layer
11 is seen in FIGURE 5 where the basic adhesive foil (adhesive side down and not shown)
is indicated at 27, the light impervious layer is indicated at 29, and an added reflective
layer is indicated at 31.
[0032] Assume, for example, a design with printing as illustrated in FIGURE 3 is desired
for the sign plate 12. A background of white is chosen. A sheet of white polyvinylchloride
adhesive foil 27 is selected. As is the commercial practice, the foil is provided
on a roll and the adhesive surface is covered with a slip sheet (not shown) which
is removable when the foil is to be applied to the surface of the light transmitting
plate 9. Next, the light impervious layer 29 is applied to the foil 27 on the surface
opposite the adhesive/slip sheet. The additional reflective layer 31, if it is to
be applied, is then applied over the light impervious layer 29.
[0033] While the slip sheet still covers the adhesive surface, the design and the letters
are cut from the sheet in a known manner, such as by a computer controlled plotter,
to form the desired broken zone configuration of the message and/or design in the
foil 27. The cutout matter that is not to be put on the light transmitting plate 9
is then peeled away and removed. A so-called working foil (also called an application
foil) is applied on top of the remaining material that surrounds the configuration.
The adhesive on the "working foil" is somewhat stronger than the adhesive on the slip
sheet, and the remaining material adheres to the "working foil" holding the open zones
of the configuration intact. The plotter is so accurate as to cut only through the
material to, but not through, the slip sheet that covers the adhesive layer. Thus,
the working foil can lift off the desired remaining portion surrounding the configuration
from the slip sheet, exposing the adhesive layer of the remaining portion for application
of it directly to the rear face 16 of the light transmitting plate 9. The working
foil with this remaining portion is then applied to the rear face 16 of the light
transmitting plate 9 with adhesive side to the rear face 16 and is pressed firmly
against the plate 9, transferring the remaining portion to the plate 9. The adhesive
force on the plate is now stronger than the adhesive force of the working foil, allowing
the working foil to be removed from the remaining portion. The position of the configuration
openings in the integrity of the opaque reflective layer 11 is thus established on
the rear face of the light transmitting plate 9 to form the foundation or base of
reference for further relevant reflective layers to be used to complete the sign plate
in a manner that will control the light rays and achieve the objectives for any given
sign.
[0034] A reverse type operation now takes place for the layer 10 to be applied to the front
face 14 of the light transmitting plate 9. The configuration for the layer 10 is cut,
for example, also by a computer controlled plotter. In this instance, all but the
communication configuration is first peeled off and removed from the slip sheet before
another "working foil" is carefully applied to adhere to the cutout configuration
and remove it from the slip sheet. The entire configuration is held intact by the
working foil, which then may be used to align and apply the configuration on the front
face 14 in substantial register with the open broken zones 13 on the rear face 16
of the light transmitting plate 9.
[0035] It should be understood that these front and rear configurations can also be applied
by known printing processes and by known silk screening processes. A printing process
is particularly applicable to mass production, and this is particularly advantageous
when large quantities of sign plates with the same message and design are to be produced.
The cut foil method is more universal and useful for samples and small quantity production.
[0036] A light diffusion layer 25 is then applied on the rear face 16 of the light transmitting
plate 9 to at least the exposed plate surface within the broken zones 13 of the configuration.
The primary purpose of the light diffusion layer 25 is to scatter or break up and
distribute light generally uniformly from its concentration as emitted from the light
source. Thus, the light source per se will not be observed by the viewer, only uniformly
transmitted light from the rear of the sign plate. This light diffusion layer 25 may
be a plastic layer in the form of an opal or milky white translucent material.
[0037] In instances when white outlines only are desired, the light diffusion layer 25 of
a milky white material can provide a working sign. Further characteristics of this
light diffusion element, however, are to also add color and to intensify the light
emitted from the front of the sign plate. A fluorescent color in a paint layer, ink
layer, or plastic layer of itself can satisfy all these desired characteristics, i.e.,
light diffusion, color, and light intensity. Fluorescent material, when activated
by a light source, will intensify certain frequencies visible to the human eye and
glow in the color of the material. For these purposes only, therefore, a fluorescent
material layer could be used without the milky white layer, but a very desirable special
third dimensional effect, described later, is also provided by the additional use
of the milky white layer along with the fluorescent color layer.
[0038] Accordingly, the light diffusion layer 25 may be of milky white translucent material,
it may be a fluorescent layer 22 only, or it may be a combination of these two layers.
Preferably, the layer 25 also will include a layer of fluorescent material 22 which
may be applied to the milky white plastic by such means as silk screen process using
a fluorescent silk screen paint, a spray process using a fluorescent paint, a printing
process using a fluorescent ink, or by even affixing a thin sheet of fluorescent plastic
material to the milky white plastic. The combination is applied to the plate 9. The
fluorescent material may be selected in a color suitable to accomplish a desired effect
on the completed sign (not shown) in conjunction with the other color layers of the
sign plate 12.
[0039] It should be noted that the layers 10, 11, 21, 22, and 25 in FIGURES 4 and 7 are
drawn with enlarged cross sections for purposes of illustration only, and the drawings
of the layers are not representative of the relative thickness of the layers. The
layers in fact may be only a film, but to understand the drawings, the layers are
blown up in cross section for ease of description.
[0040] In contrast to the prior art device in FIGURE 2 where the fluorescent material is
applied to the front of the sign plate as a relatively thick projection 15, the light
diffusion layer 25, which may also include the fluorescent layer 22, of the present
invention is applied on the rear face 16 of the plate to directly cover the broken
zones 13. This structure provides a particular advantage over the illustrated prior
art device because the diffusion layer and, if applied, the fluorescent layer is activated
directly and generally uniformly by complete exposure to any kind of a light source
at the rear of the light transmitting plate 9. This structure is so effective that
the light source may be even immediately adjacent the layers 22 and 25 without losing
luminescence on the parts of the configuration that are somewhat distant from the
light source.
[0041] In this connection, the light source may be any kind of light, such as incandescent,
fluorescent, neon, ultraviolet, light-emitting diodes (LEDs: rectifying semi-conductor
devices that convert electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation), and electroluminescence
(the application of an electric field to a material, usually solid, such as a fluorescent
plastic plate). In the instance of electroluminescence, an electrically excited material
in combination with a fluorescent sheet therefore could be its own source of light
and substitute for the light source. Also, by using neon in a desired color in combination
with the light diffusion layer 25 when the light diffusion layer is of milky white
material, the fluorescent layer 22 could be omitted and still achieve good lighting
results. The sensitivity of neon and the maintenance required by it would generally
suggest avoiding this alternative, however.
[0042] By exposing the sign plate 9 to a light source (not shown), preferably a light source
placed facing the rear face 16 of sign plate 12, light rays will pass onto and directly
activate the entire fluorescent layer 22 and/or directly light the diffusion layer
25, both or either of which may cover primarily only the broken zones 13. The glow
of the activated fluorescent layer and/or the light of the diffusion layer directly
covering the broken zones 13 in the reflective layer 11 will then extend through the
transparent plate 9. Part of these light rays will pass directly to the viewer along
the side edges of the front reflective layer 10 to present the outline or contour
of the configuration to the viewer.
[0043] With reference to this outline or contour, the layer 10 may be either an opaque reflective
layer or simply a reflective layer in accordance with this invention. In either instance,
some rays from the rear face 16 will reflect from the reflective surface of the layer
10 back to the opaque reflective layer 11 and thence forward to the viewer to form
an aura around the outline. The difference whether opacity is included in the layer
10 will be, however, in the appearance of a core area 20 within the outline. If the
layer 10 includes a light impervious layer 29 to provide the opacity, then the core
area 20 within the outline will be lighted only by existing front lighting from the
surroundings, and the color of the core area 20 will be the color of the front surface
of the layer 10 (which may be a front color layer 21). On the other hand, if the layer
10 lacks the light impervious layer 29, then some light from the rear will influence
the core area 20, illuminating it to some degree and, if the core area also includes
fluorescent matter (described below), with the color from the fluorescent color matter
in that layer 10. Because the layer 10 is reflective and reflects rays, the intensity
of the lighted core area will be lower compared to the direct rays to the viewer from
the rear around the edges of the core area 20. Thus, an outline of the configuration
is present, but the contrast between it and the core is less than when the core area
is opaque.
[0044] Alternatively, the layer 10 also could be a fluorescent layer that would both reflect
rays from the layers 22 and 25 and be activated by the rays to fluoresce the core
area 20. Depending upon the colors selected, this can create an interesting combination
of colors. For example, if the rear fluorescent layer 22 is blue and the front fluorescent
layer in the position of the layer 10 is red, the viewer would see a mixture of red
and blue (purple) in the core area 20 with an outline of blue, and if the rear fluorescent
layer 22 is white and the front layer is yellow, then the viewer would see a yellow
core with a white outline. The aura in each of these examples will also be influenced
by the basic color of the sign plate as determined by the color of the layer 11.
[0045] Colors to achieve special effects may be selected in any desired combination of the
opaque reflective layer 11, the fluorescent layer 22, the reflective layer 10, and
the additional front color layer 21. In this connection, it is known that a color
of light may be used in confrontation with another color of light to effectively cancel,
amplify, or modify the resulting color, depending on the color selections and intensity.
This technique may be used effectively in the structure of this invention.
[0046] Another important aspect of this invention is the ability to apply a varying color
base in a manner not believed used heretofore. When using the fluorescent layer 22,
the color may be gradually changed along the layer. For instance, a length of fluorescent
blue can be applied. Then, from the middle of this blue, a length of fluorescent red
is applied, half covering the blue and the other half on the exposed milky white material.
Thus, in the total applied strip of fluorescent color layer, the color would change
from blue to purple to red without a precise line of demarcation between the colors.
Other colors may be applied as desired. The effect of this on the sign plate length
is to change colors of the outline and aura from one position to another. Many or
few color changes could be used in this manner on the sign plate.
[0047] The angle of an imaginary line joining an edge of the layer 11 at a point along an
edge of the broken zone 13 with a corresponding point on the edge of the layer 10
on the front face 14 will form the illusion of the equivalent to the inclined side
edges 17 of the prior art device shown in FIGURE 2. This angle may be increased or
decreased by decreasing or increasing, respectively, the corresponding dimensions
of the configuration of the layer 10. This illusion is achieved without the physical
presence of the projection 15 on the front face 14 of the plate 12 of the prior art
device.
[0048] The thickness of the illusion of the slanting side edge can be controlled from between
0.0 mm up to 20 mm or more according to the thickness of the material selected for
the light transmitting base plate 9. Further, a front color layer 21 may be applied
to the front of the layer 10. This color layer 21 may be selected to coordinate as
desired with the background color of the opaque reflective layer 11, the base color
of the sign plate.
[0049] The front face letters, figures, design or art work correspond to the configuration
of the broken zones on the rear face. In accordance with this invention, the front
configuration may be dimensionally smaller, the same as, or larger than, the rear
configuration. The light rays passing from the light source through the broken zones
will still form an outline around the front configuration unless the dimension of
the front configuration intentionally over extends the rear configuration to effectively
eliminate the outline, albeit not the aura. The illusion of the slanted edge and third
dimension, however, will be most effective when the front dimension is no greater
than the rear configuration dimension and preferably is less. The effects of the illusion
of the slanted side edge, of the depth or third dimension, of the aura, and of many
possible colors to achieve a particular objective for any given sign are created by
controlling several factors discussed hereinafter. Suffice it to say for now that
after considering these factors, a dimension will be selected for the width of the
front configuration, and the configuration will be cut from another sheet for the
layer 10 in the manner already described.
[0050] In addition to the illusion of an inclined side edge in this invention that compared
to the physical inclined edge 17 of the prior art shown in FIGURE 2, there is also
the effect of depth or third dimension where the viewer sees "inside" the light transmitting
base plate 9. This plate, as already indicated, is preferably clear plastic and transparent.
At best, objects are "out of focus" when viewing through the clear plastic to the
milky white layer. Such is desirable when considering quality of the third dimensional
effect.
[0051] An object or layer on the rear side of the light transmitting plate 9 is clearly
and sharply seen as through clear plastic. The purpose of the light diffusion layer
25 is to distribute light evenly and uniformly. This becomes diffused or "out of focus"
light and is seen through the inclined edges of the configuration so that the distance
to the light source cannot be detected by the viewer. On the other hand, a distance
between the rear reflective layer 11 and the front layer 10 is realized even though
no direct connection is between them. When the diffusion layer is activated by light,
the viewer is able to detect spacial difference between the back and the front reflective
layers but not able to detect the distance to the light source. It now appears that
the light connects both the front layer and the rear layers, giving it extra third
dimensional and massive appearance. The less diffused the light source, the less quality
of this special appearance. The effect approaches an illusion of a "bottomless" depth.
Thus, a mix of colors might appear, for example, in space in a luminous phenomenon
similar to a view of the aurora borealis. Colors appear to be within the plate itself.
The rear milky white diffusion layer 25 also creates interesting effects third dimensionally
with the confrontation of reflected rays from the layer 10, especially if the layer
10 also is fluorescent as mentioned earlier. Thus, a milky white light diffusion layer
25 along with the fluorescent color layer 22 is preferred where unusual depth effects
are desired.
[0052] Another interesting effect can be achieved when aligning the configuration on the
front face with the broken zones of the configuration on the rear face. A partial
outline on each character can be made by slightly laterally shifting or offsetting
the two configurations with respect to each other. For example, the left side of the
characters can be made without outline, but with aura, and the right side with both
outline and aura. The outline may be wider, depending on the initial selection of
the comparative dimensions in cutting the configurations.
[0053] This flexibility of the invention is advantageous in that relatively inexpensive
production methods and materials, as herein exhibited, may be used to create quality
third dimensional effects within the plate without the need for a physically real
third dimensional object to create it. The viewer expects to feel a third dimensional
front face on the sign plate if he touches it rather than feeling the substantially
flat surface that it has, and the viewer likely will be unable to realize the distance
to the light source.
[0054] Another embodiment of this invention is seen in FIGURES 6 and 7. The same principles
already described for FIGURES 3 and 4 apply to this embodiment as well. Furthermore,
this embodiment allows more flexibility in the utilization of the principles. For
example, it is possible with this embodiment to have an artistic design outlined and
communicated as described above, while at the same time to have a layer of letters
transmitting a message on top of or across the artistic design or vice versa. In fact,
either can be the foreground and the other the background at one point and reverse
their roles at another point. This is done by creating an "outline and aura" within
the boundaries of or on top of or cross another "outline with aura".
[0055] An example will illustrate this flexibility. With reference to FIGURE 7, by exposing
the rear face 16 of the sign plate 12 to a light source (not shown), the light rays
will activate or energize the light diffusion layer 25, which preferably includes
a layer 22 of fluorescent color, and make it glow uniformly. Part of the light rays
produced from the activation of the fluorescent material will pass directly forward
to the viewer in the areas between the generally facing side edges of the spacially
offset opaque reflective layer 11 and the reflective layers 10 and 10a as seen in
FIGURE 7. This light passing between these facing edges forms an outline, as explained
previously. The fact that the light rays also reflect from the reflective layers 10
and 10a, means that some of the light rays will reflect from the more forward of the
offset layers 10a back to the front surfaces of the layers 10 and 11, thence to the
front toward the viewer. These light rays reflected from the front of the opaque reflective
layer 10 provide the aura around the outline formed on the edges of 10a. Another outline
also exists around the outside edges of the layer 10 with aura from the reflection
from the front of layer 11 as previously described. This creates the outline or contour
with aura within the boundaries of or across another outline or contour with aura.
[0056] As also indicated previously, a color layer 21 may be applied to the front surfaces
of the front opaque reflective layer 10a to provide a special color effect in addition
to the colors of the layers 11, 10, and 10a. The opaque reflective layer may inherently
have a color that is useful, but it may be found that a mixing of colors in the various
layers presents interesting effects. In addition, the front side of any of the reflective
layers may include a color layer 21 (not just 10a) to further effect layers of different
colors to bring about these desirable color effects. If the color layers 21 are different
in color from the light diffusion/fluorescent layers 22 and 25, then the auras created
will likely be viewed as different in color from the outlines formed by the rays passing
directly from the fluorescent material to the viewer. Also, as already indicated,
the fluorescent color layer 22 on the light diffusion layer 25 may be varied along
its surface to add to the interest, and it is known that colored light can be used
in direct confrontation with another colored light to cancel, amplify, or change the
resulting color. This alternative structure provides an excellent arena in which to
exercise such use of color. It can be seen, therefore, that this structure allows
for many innovative creations.
[0057] Still another embodiment is shown in FIGURES 8-10. The effects of this sign plate
in a sign are, or can be, the same as those for the embodiments already described,
but the physical implementation of this sign plate allows some further flexibility
in use of a sign constructed in accordance with the invention. Instead of applying
an opaque light reflective layer directly to the rear face 16 of a light transmitting
plate 9 by adhesive material, the letters, figures and/or artistic design are printed
directly onto clear thin plastic foil or film having, for example, a thickness of
from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Known printing techniques may be employed for this printing using
standard forms, letters, figures, and characters to reduce print costs as compared
to silk screen and other specialty or custom methods. An example of a use for such
a sign is where the sign is intended to serve in a situation where conditions change
frequently and where the communication needs to change with the conditions. The frequency
period might be every few days or even only every few hours. A specific example is
a restaurant advertising a menu for the day or for a meal.
[0058] A rear foil or film 33 is illustrated in FIGURE 8 wherein the background is printed
with opaque and reflective color inks leaving the communication configuration open
as to the broken zones 13 through which the light rays pass. A front foil or film
35, also illustrated, the reverse of film 33, shows the communication configuration
that is to be in register with the film 33. The front foil 35 has an opaque communication
configuration with a clear background.
[0059] As seen in FIGURE 9, several layers, including the films 33 and 35, are brought together
to form a sandwich of superposed separate layers that, in the sandwich form, maintain
their integrity of separate, removable layers vis-à-vis an integral lamination of
layers according to the earlier described embodiments.
[0060] In this instance, the sandwich further includes a light diffusion layer 25, which
may be a thin plate of opal or milky white plastic with a fluorescent color layer
22 applied to it, and two light transmitting plates 9 as earlier described. The printed
films 33 and 35 are interposed between layers forming the sandwich; the rear film
33 being between the layer 25 and the rearmost light transmitting plate 9, and the
front film 35 being between the rearmost light transmitting plate 9 and the frontmost
light transmitting plate 9. All layers are aligned, but particular attention should
be given to the positions of the films 33 and 35 with respect to each other. In accordance
with the earlier embodiments, the front printing 35 will have a narrower configuration
than the corresponding configuration printed on the rear film 33. The differences
in the dimensions allow light rays to radiate directly from the layer 25 when activated
by the light source (not shown) through the light transmitting plates 9 and to the
viewer to form the outline or contour around the configuration. Hence, the films should
be aligned to bring the two configurations in general register respectively. As described
earlier in connection with the other embodiments, however, the top and bottom configurations
may be shifted or laterally offset with respect to one another to achieve interesting
outline effects.
[0061] Once aligned, the layers are locked together to retain their sandwiched relationship
by use of suitable means represented by a bracket 37. The sandwiched sign plate then
may be placed in its sign box (not shown) where, along with a light source, the illuminated
sign is completed.
[0062] This structure, as may be appreciated, allows for an easy change of communication
matter because of the discreteness of the parts of the sign plate in this embodiment.
[0063] As with the previous embodiments, the layers in FIGURES 9 and 10 are drawn with enlarged
widths for purposes of illustration and ease of description only, and the drawings
of the layers are not representative of the relative thickness of the physical layers.
Also as with the previous embodiments, the rear of the sign plate in these figures
(side of the light source) is to the right.
[0064] The principles of the sign plate disclosed herein have many diverse applications
according to the creativeness of the person applying the principles. For example,
in addition to the more usual applications of applying these principles to artistic
displays, information dissemination, advertising, or any combination thereof, the
principles could also be applied to other applications, such as faces for clocks,
relief maps, and globes.
[0065] The advantages of the invention disclosed herein are many. The structure makes easier
the job of standardizing the various parts of the sign plate. The structure also provides
increased brightness in the light output, allowing for more effectiveness when used
in ambient conditions having surrounding light. Less labor hours are required for
producing the sign plate, and it can be quickly put together for a sample and be easily
changed if desired. Almost any kind of light source can be used, and the light source
can be directly adjacent the rear face of the sign plate, allowing for a very thin
overall sign package (frame, sign plate, and light source). The concept of guiding
the light beam allows for more creativity and flexibility in the making and using
of the sign plate. Generally, the amount of material needed also is less.
1. A sign plate for an illuminated sign, the sign plate comprising a light transmitting
sheet (9), a rear opaque light reflective layer (11) on a rear face of the light transmitting
sheet (9) and having at least one opening (13) therein defining at least one first
indicia to be displayed by the sign, and a front reflecting layer (10) defining at
least one second indicia, in the same general form as and in general register with
the first indicia, on a front face of the light transmitting sheet (9), the reflecting
layer (10) having a rear-most reflective surface, characterised by the rear layer
having a plurality of said openings (13) to define a plurality of said first indicia
and the reflecting layer defining a corresponding plurality of second indicia, a diffusion
layer (25) disposed in and at least substantially covering the openings (13) on the
rear face of the light transmitting sheet (9), and the reflecting layer (10) being
shaped and positioned so as at least partially to expose the diffusion layer (25)
therebehind.
2. A sign plate according to claim 1 wherein the diffusion layer (25) includes a fluorescent
material.
3. A sign plate according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the reflecting layer (10) is
shaped and positioned whereby annular portions of the diffusion layer (25) surrounding
the indicia are exposed by the reflecting layer (10).
4. A sign plate according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first indicia are offset
with respect to the second indicia.
5. A sign plate according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the reflecting layer (10) and
the openings (13) are mutually configured so that the diffusion layer (25) is visible
from the front face of the light transmitting sheet (9) so as to provide an outline
around the reflecting layer (10).
6. A sign plate according to any foregoing claim wherein the rear layer (11) comprises
an adhesive foil.
7. A sign plate according to any foregoing claim wherein the reflecting layer (10) is
partially transmitting.
8. A sign plate according to claim 7 wherein the reflecting layer (10) is fluorescent.
9. A sign plate according to claim 7 or claim 8 further comprising an opaque front layer
(20) on the reflecting layer (10).
10. A sign plate according to claim 2 wherein the colour of the fluorescent diffusion
layer (25) changes gradually along the layer (25).
11. A sign plate according to claim 1 wherein the second indicia of the reflecting layer
(10) are located inwardly of said openings (13) thereby to provide through the thickness
of the light transmitting sheet (9) between the diffusion layer (25) and the reflecting
layer (10) an illusion of an inclined edge of the indicia when light transmitted forwardly
through the light transmitting sheet (9) is reflected off the rear-most reflective
surface back onto a front surface of the rear layer (11).
12. A sign plate according to claim 11 wherein the inclined edge has a thickness of up
to 20 mm.
13. A sign plate according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the diffusion layer (25) is
fluorescent.
14. A sign plate according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the diffusion layer (25) is
milky white.
15. A sign plate according to any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the rear layer (11) comprises
an adhesive foil.
16. A sign plate according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the reflecting layer
(10) is shaped and positioned whereby annular portions of the diffusion layer (25)
surrounding the indicia are exposed by the reflecting layer (10).
17. A sign plate according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the first indicia are
offset with respect to the second indicia.
18. A sign plate according to any foregoing claim wherein the light transmitting sheet
comprises first and second sheets (9,9) on which the front reflecting layer (10a)
and the rear layer (11) are respectively carried.
19. A sign plate according to claim 18 wherein the first and second sheets (9,9) and a
third light transmitting sheet (9) disposed therebetween are formed as a sandwich
of superposed separate layers and the first and second sheets (9,9) are removable
from the third sheet (9).
20. A sign plate according to claim 19 further comprising a bracket (37) for removably
locking the separate layers together.
1. Eine Signal- bzw. Zeichenplatte für ein beleuchtetes Signal, wobei die Signalplatte
enthält eine lichtübertragende Lage (9), eine rückwärtige, lichtundurchlässige, lichtreflektierende
Schicht (11) auf der rückwärtigen Fläche der lichtübertragenden Lage (9), welche lichtreflektierende
Schicht (11) zumindest eine Öffnung (13) darin aufweist, die zumindest ein erstes
Zeichenelement, das von dem Signal darzustellen ist, festlegt, und eine vordere, reflektierende
Schicht (10), die zumindest ein zweites Zeichenelement festlegt, das die gleiche allgemeine
Form wie das erste Zeichenelement aufweist, sowie allgemein dazu ausgerichet ist,
und zwar auf der vorderen Fläche der lichtübertragenden Lage (9), wobei die reflektierende
Schicht (10) eine am weitesten hinten angeordnete reflektierende Oberfläche aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die rückwärtige Schicht eine Vielzahl von diesen Öffnungen (13) aufweist, um
eine Vielzahl von diesen ersten Zeichenelementen festzulegen, und wobei die reflektierende
Schicht eine entsprechende Vielzahl von zweiten Zeichenelementen festlegt, daß eine
Diffusionsschicht (25) in den und die Öffnungen (13), die sich auf der rückwärtigen
Fläche der lichtübertragenden Lage (9) befinden, abdeckend angeordnet ist, und daß
die reflektierende Schicht (10) ausgeformt und positioniert ist, um zumindest teilweise
die dahinter befindliche Diffusionsschicht (25) freizugeben.
2. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 1, worin die Diffusionsschicht (25) ein fluoreszierendes
Material enthält.
3. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 1 oder nach Anspruch 2, worin die reflektierende Schicht
(10) so geformt und positoiniert ist, daß ringförmige Abschnitte der Diffusionsschicht
(25), die die Zeichenelemente umgeben, von der reflektierenden Schicht (10) freigegeben
werden.
4. Eine Signalplatte nach Ansruch 1 oder nach Anspruch 2, worin die ersten Zeichenelemente
bezüglich der zweiten Zeichenelemente versetzt sind.
5. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 1 oder nach Anspruch 2, worin die reflektierende Schicht
(10) und die Öffnungen (13) wechselseitig derart ausgeformt sind, daß die Diffusionsschicht
(25) von der vorderen Fläche der lichtübertragenden Lage (9) aus sichtbar ist, um
eine Außenlinie um die reflektierende Schicht (10) zur Verfügung zu stellen.
6. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin die rückwärtige Schicht
(11) eine Klebefolie enthält.
7. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin die reflektirende Schicht
(10) teilweise übertragend bzw. lichtdurchlässig ausgebildet ist.
8. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 7, worin die reflektierende Schicht (10) fluoreszierend
ist.
9. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 7 oder nach Anspruch 8, des weiteren aufweisend eine
lichtundurchlässige vordere Schicht (20) auf der reflektierenden Schicht (10).
10. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 2, worin die Farbe der fluoreszierenden Diffusionsschich
(25) sich entlang der Schicht (25) graduell ändert.
11. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 1, worin die zweiten Zeichenelemente der reflektierenden
Schicht (10) in diesen Öffnungen (13) angeordnet sind, um dadurch mittels der Stärke
der lichtübertragenden Lage (9) zwischen der Diffusionsschicht (25) und der reflektierenden
Schicht (10) die Illusion einer geneigten Kante der Zeichenelemente zur Verfügung
zu stellen, wenn nach vorne durch die lichtübertragende Lage (9) übertragenes Licht
von der am weitesten hinten angeordneten Reflexionsoberfläche zurück auf die vordere
Oberfläche der rückwärtigen Schicht (11) reflektiert wird.
12. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 11, worin die geneigte Kante eine Stärke von bis zu
20 mm aufweist.
13. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 11 oder Anspruch 12, worin die Diffusionsschicht (25)
fluoreszierend ist.
14. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 11 oder Anspruch 12, worin die Diffusionsschicht (25)
milchig weiß ist.
15. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 14, worin die rückwärtige Schicht
(11) eine Klebefolie enthält.
16. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 15, worin die reflektierende Schicht
(10) so geformt und positioniert ist, daß ringförmige Abschnitte der Diffusionsschicht
(25), die die Zeichenelemente umgeben, von der reflektierenden Schicht (10) freigegeben
sind.
17. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 15, worin die ersten Zeichenelemente
bezüglich der zweiten Zeichenelemente versetzt sind.
18. Eine Signalplatte nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin die lichtübertragende
Lage erste und zweite Lagen (9, 9) aufweist, auf denen die vordere reflektierende
Schicht (10a) bzw. die rückwärtige Schicht (11) gehalten werden.
19. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 18, worin die ersten und zweiten Lagen (9, 9) sowie
eine dritte lichtübertragende Lage (9), die dazwischen angeordnet ist, so ausgeformt
sind, um eine Sandwichanordnung von übereinander angeordneten, getrennten Schichten
auszuformen, und worin die ersten und zweiten Lagen (9, 9) von der dritten Lage (9)
entfernbar ausgestaltet sind.
20. Eine Signalplatte nach Anspruch 19, des weiteren aufweisend eine Halterung (37) zum
entfernbaren Verriegeln der separaten Schichten miteinander.
1. Panneau d'enseigne pour enseigne lumineuse, le panneau d'enseigne comprenant une plaque
de transmission de lumière (9), une couche réfléchissant la lumière, arrière, opaque,
(11) sur une face arrière de la plaque de transmission de lumière (9) et comportant
au moins une ouverture (13) en son sein définissant au moins une première inscription
devant être affichée par l'enseigne, et une couche réfléchissante avant (10) définissant
au moins une seconde inscription, sous la même forme générale que, et généralement
en coïncidence avec, la première inscription, sur une face avant de la plaque de transmission
de lumière (9), la couche réfléchissante (10) comportant une surface réfléchissante
la plus en arrière, caractérisée par la couche arrière comportant une pluralité desdites
ouvertures (13) pour définir une pluralité desdites premières inscriptions et la couche
réfléchissante définissant une pluralité correspondante de secondes inscriptions,
une couche de diffusion (25) disposée dans, et recouvrant au moins sensiblement, les
ouvertures (13) sur la face arrière de la plaque de transmission de lumière (9), et
la couche réfléchissante (10) étant façonnée et pcsitionnée de manière à exposer au
moins en partie la couche de diffusion (25) derrière.
2. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la couche de diffusion (25)
comprend un matériau fluorescent.
3. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel la
couche réfléchissante (10) est façonnée et positionnée de manière que des parties
annulaires de la couche de diffusion (25) entourant les inscriptions soient exposées
par la couche réfléchissante (10).
4. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel, les
premières inscriptions sont décalées relativement aux secondes inscriptions.
5. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel la
couche réfléchissante (10) et les ouvertures (13) sont configurées mutuellement de
manière que la couche de diffusion (25) soit visible depuis la face avant de la plaque
de transmission de lumière (9) afin de former un contour autour de la couche réfléchissante
(10).
6. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la couche arrière (11) comprend une feuille adhésive.
7. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la ccuche réfléchissante (10) est à transmission partielle.
8. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la couche réfléchissante
(10) est fluorescente.
9. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 7 ou la revendication 8, comprenant en outre
une couche avant opaque (20) sur la couche réfléchissante (10).
10. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la couleur de la couche de
diffusion fluorescente (25) change progressivement le long de la couche (25).
11. Panneau d'enseigne selon revendication 1, dans lequel les secondes inscriptions de
la couche réfléchissante (10) sont situées vers l'intérieur desdites ouvertures (13)
de manière à donner, à travers l'épaisseur de la plaque de transmission de lumière
(9) entre la couche de diffusion (25) et la couche réfléchissante (10), une illusion
d'un bord incliné des inscriptions lorsque de la lumière transmise vers l'avant à
travers la plaque de transmission de lumière (9) est renvoyée de la surface réfléchissante
la plus en arrière en retour sur une surface avant de la couche arrière (11).
12. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le bord incliné a une épaisseur
jusqu'à 20 mm.
13. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 11 ou la revendication 12, dans lequel la
couche de diffusion (25) est fluorescente.
14. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 11 ou la revendication 12, dans lequel la
couche de diffusion (25) est blanche comme lait.
15. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 14, dans lequel
la couche arrière (11) comprend une feuille adhésive.
16. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 15, dans lequel
la couche réfléchissante (10) est façonnée et positionnée de manière que des parties
annulaires de la couche de diffusion (25) entourant les inscriptions soient exposées
par la couche réfléchissante (10).
17. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 15, dans lequel
les premières inscriptions sont décalées relativement aux secondes inscriptions.
18. Panneau d'enseigne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
la plaque de transmission de lumière comprend des première et deuxième plaques (9,
9) sur lesquelles la couche réfléchissante avant (10a) et la couche arrière (11) sont
respectivement supportées.
19. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 18, dans lequel les première et deuxième
plaques (9, 9) et une troisième plaque de transmission de lumière (9) disposée entre
sont formées en un sandwich de couches distinctes superposées et les première et deuxième
plaques (9, 9) sont adaptées à être enlevées de la troisième plaque (9).
20. Panneau d'enseigne selon la revendication 19, comprenant cn outre une console (37)
pour réunir par verrouillage, avec possibilité de séparation, les couches distinctes.